How to Choose the Best Cot For Newborns
The cot is the baby's sleeping place until he or she is four years old. Therefore, you need it to be comfy solid and secure.
Make sure it is a gap-free mattress, since gaps could pose the risk of suffocation for infants. Also look for an adjustable cot.
Single Cot
The OEX Ultralite foldable cot is among the lightest options on the market. It weighs 2.68kg and is almost a quarter of the price of the Helinox version I tested. It's also much easier to set-up - the two main poles snap together like unusually thick tent poles with shock cords to keep them in place. Then, they slide into sleeves on the legs of their linked legs. You simply need to put your feet into them to set up the sleep surface.
The only drawback is that it can be a little tricky to dismantle - you need to be really strong to lift the legs and it requires some effort to dismantle the frame. It's only a minor complaint and I'm convinced that it's the most lightweight frame I've tested.
Take a look at the cot bed options available on the market if you're looking for something more durable and long-lasting. If you opt for this option, you will need to purchase a separate bed for your child once they reach a few years.
Some children will stay in the cot longer, but the majority will want to move up to their first single mattress - as an incentive for being a big brother or sister!
The Cot One provides a comfortable sleep for infants and small children on any surface, including hard surfaces. It's easy to put together and doesn't have any small pieces to lose, and feels sturdy enough to hold children without worry about unstable parts.
Double Cot
A double cot will be ideal for twins or siblings who require sleeping together. It offers the same safety features as a single cot, including side rails and a slatted base which can be adjusted as your child grows. It also has numerous support areas, so you can dial in the ideal size for your child's needs. This is the only cot that we tested designed to accommodate two infants at one time, as it can hold up to 325 lb. and 72 inches long. This is a great selling point for families that need to share space.
One of the things that parents love about this cot is that it converts into a toddler bed, and later into an adult bed, giving it an extended lifespan and meaning that you won't have to buy another bed. This is great for those with limited budgets and will save money as your child grows.
Cot beds are the most popular sleep option for the majority of health experts since they provide the highest level of security for your baby. They are designed to be used from the time of birth until your child is around 2 years old and will eventually require conversion into an infant bed or a junior bed.
This is the only cot we tested that has an adjustable base. The lowest setting is suitable from birth and the highest for when your baby is able to roll. This is a vital aspect as babies can choke when their head is caught between gaps or protrusions within the cot.
The only drawback is that it can be difficult to fold, and it can be a challenge to put the legs in the right position. It is also the largest cot in our list and can be quite heavy to carry around if you have to move it from the storage location.
If you're looking for a cot that checks all the boxes, look no further than this luxurious wood cot. It's a stunning piece of furniture that enhances design, comfort and utility in your living space. It is also stunning in any nursery and will blend perfectly with different styles of bedrooms for kids after your child has outgrown it.
Triple Cot
Cots offer an ensconced and safe sleeping environment for your newborn, ensuring that they get the rest they need. They are typically lower than beds and have a base that is capable of being raised to suit your baby's developmental stage. A lot of cots have drop-sides that allow you to co-sleep safely with your infant. It also makes it easier to feed at the evening. Some cots also have the option to remove one of the sides completely. This could allow you to use it as a bassinet and create a safer alternative to sleeping in your bed.
Some cots come with additional features that make life a little easier for parents, like a handy drawer beneath the cot that is perfect for storage or to keep your essential items close at hand, anti-bite plastic rails on the top of the cot to protect teething babies and a detachable riser leg that can be used to create a slight slope for babies with reflux. One of our top cots is the Silver Cross Westport Cot Bed, which is beautiful to look at with its minimalist Scandi style and oak finish but it is also very practical with three height settings for the mattress, as well as being able to be converted into a toddler bed once your child is ready.
Having good quality sleep is vital for all babies therefore it's worth your time looking for the ideal cot or crib for your baby. If you are struggling to decide what type of crib or cot is best for your baby, why not attend an NCT New Baby Course and explore the various options with a certified group leader and other new parents?
When purchasing a cot, there are many things to consider. This includes the sides and depth of the cot, its storage capacity, if it has a removable hood, and if the cot comes with bedding. Double check the dimensions of the crib or cot of your baby to make sure it is suitable for your bedroom or nursery. Make sure there's best cots uk to move around and that it is not too close to windows or heat sources.
cots to tots
If you are expecting triplets or twins, you'll need a quadruple cot. These large cots can hold four babies at once and include bedding sets to make it easier to get your child to bed. They also come with a side rail which can be removed which allows you to put your child near you while they sleep. If you have more than one child, you may be interested in a model with bunk beds which can be made into one.
Many cots have an adjustable mattress which can be adjusted to fit your baby's size. This can be a good option if you're worried that your baby could slip at night, and also beneficial when your child is beginning to stand. Some crib mattresses are made from natural materials, such as wool or cotton. However you can also find models made from polyurethane.
It is a good idea to pick a cot with mesh sides. This will allow air to circulate and help keep your baby cool. Be sure to check the bars too. They shouldn't be larger than 6.5cm to stop your child from climbing out. Avoid cots with solid feet and head boards since they can entrap clothing or the limbs of your child.
The ease of cleaning the cot should also be considered. Check if it can be washed in the machine and what the instructions for cleaning are for the fabric as well as any other parts that can be removed. Also, you should determine if your standard cot bedding fits or if you need to purchase some special travel cot sheets.
The cost of diapers can quickly increase! Bedding, clothing and toys. A cot with storage space, like the Obaby Stamford Space Saver Cot will allow you to keep everything organized and easily accessible.